May 9, 2011

Social Security disability lawyers (or representatives) representing Social Security disability claimants in Indiana may help their Indiana neighbors in the disability claims process from the very beginning to the very end if the claimant wishes so. Some disability claimants feel they do not need representation at the initial stages of filing a disability claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA). While others may have questions from “A to Z ” and may be confused by paperwork they have never seen before. As a Social Security disability claimant, it is your right to have representation! Whether you exercise this right to representation or not, some claimants find it comforting in just knowing that help is out there for you if you want it. On a daily basis, Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis answers numerous questions from disability claimants ranging from medical questions to financial eligibility. Mr. Lewis finds much of his initial contact with potential clients involves many questions on exactly how to get the Social Security disability claims process started. Indiana residents soon find out that there are a few different ways to get the ball rolling and which process is right one for them. Also, Mr. Lewis attempts to explain how the disability claims process may unfold and how time constraints play an important role in processing Indiana Social Security disability claims. Another major part of Mr. Lewis’ job is to talk to his fellow Indiana residents about their disabling conditions. Mr. Lewis understands this can be one of the most difficult times in the disability claimant’s life. Many individuals not only need the technical aspects of their claim answered, but a compassionate sounding board to talk to about how a disability can make everyday life very difficult. Indiana Social Security attorney Scott Lewis and his staff strive to help disabled individuals through these very trying times. Mr. Lewis and his staff spend the majority of their … Continued

May 6, 2011

Scott Lewis is an Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney who gets asked many questions regarding what qualifies a person for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Every so often he speaks with a client who is unable to read or write and is struggling to find employment. These individuals are sometimes surprised to learn the Social Security Administration (SSA) may believe there are numerous jobs in the economy that do not require a person to have the ability to read or write. Does that mean you will be denied your Indiana Social Security disability benefits if you are unable to read and write? Not always, there may be other factors that come into play when deciding if you are disabled. Many Indiana residents that are unable to read and write have had difficulties obtaining an education. This can be due to a variety of factors including having learning disabilities. If you have had standardized intelligence testing (commonly known as IQ testing) and if your scores fall below a certain number you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. You may find the criteria for this can be different for children than adults. For more information you can look to Social Security’s “Listing of Impairments” under listing 112.05 for children and listing 12.05 for adults. A Vocational Expert (also know as a Job Expert) may testify at an Indiana Social Security disability hearing that some individuals with a very low mental capacity may be unable to perform even simple routine repetitive tasks. This could be due to the fact that they cannot remember simple directions and would need reminded of the work process too often by a supervisor to maintain employment. Also, if an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decides a person may need a job coach to … Continued

May 4, 2011

You may be surprised how often Indianapolis Social Security lawyer Scott Lewis gets asked the above question. The truth is, there are specific guidelines set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA) just for children. The Social Security Administration does provide payments through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program for disabled children. On many occasions, Indiana Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis finds himself discussing the “ins and outs” of the SSI program as it pertains to children with his potential and current clients. One of the first hurdles many families may encounter when trying to obtain Indiana Social security disability benefits for their child is the question of income and resources. If the child or a certain family member’s income and resources are above the limit set forth by the SSA, it may not matter how disabled the child is. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is what may be termed a “needs” based program. In other words, if the SSA determines you don’t need it, you don’t get it. So what happens if your child and family income and resources are below the limit? At that point, the Social Security Administration will determine if your child has a qualifying disabling condition. When it comes to a child, what does the Social Security Administration consider a disabling condition? Indiana residents may want to take a look at Social Security’s “Listing of Impairments.” This is a guideline assembled to outline certain disabling conditions. It should be noted there is a section that is focused solely on child disabilities. If your child does not precisely meet one of these listings there are still other ways to win your Indiana Social Security disability appeal. In cases involving children, the Social Security Administration will look at several domains in determining if a child is disabled … Continued

May 3, 2011

Is being on oxygen a sure winner in Social Security disability cases? In Indianapolis Social Security disability Scott Lewis’ experience, there are many variables involved in a person needing to be on oxygen and their ability to work. The thought of dragging around an oxygen tank in the workplace may sound far fetched to some, but at times Vocational Experts (job expert) may say there are occupations that a person can do while still needing the aid of oxygen. Indiana disability lawyer Scott Lewis believes if you are attempting to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because you need the aid of oxygen, you should first look to see if your medical condition meets one of the listings in Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) “Listing of Impairments”. Indiana disability appeals claimants with respiratory problems may want to look to SSA’s Listing 3.00 concerning the respiratory system. While this listing covers various respiratory issues, those with severe breathing problems may want to consider Listing 3.02 Chronic Pulmonary Insufficiency. This Listing contains various tables comparing FEV1 levels and an individual’s height and other data to determine eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. To determine your FEV1 level, Mr. Lewis suggests you contact your treating physician to arrange appropriate testing. After looking at this particular listing and some people find it confusing, but do not feel alone. Much of the material in the “Listing of Impairments” can be confusing and you may find it in your best interest to contact your physician or a qualified Social Security disability lawyr to sort through this information. If you do not meet or equal a listing,will you lose your Indiana Social Security disability appeal? Not always. It may depend on how often you are short of breath, experience chest pain, find yourself fatigued, and many other … Continued

April 28, 2011

Indianapolis disability attorney Scott D. Lewis represents disability claimants with many disabling conditions including those suffering from radiculopathy. Potential disability clients often call his office who suffer from radiculopathy, but are unsure whether this condition qualifies them for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. When your disabling condition begins to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), and you find yourself unable to provide for yourself and/or your family the way you used to, it may be time to inquire about Social Security disability benefits. Radiculopathy is a condition that is recognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a disabling condition under the SSA’s Listing of Impairment’s Spinal Disorders. If you are considering applying for Social Security disability benefits, the first step is to look through the SSA’s “Listing of Impairments” to see if you have a qualifying disability. The SSA publishes these listings as a resource for those looking to receive Social Security disability benefits. These listing are used by the SSA to decide whether or not a claimant’s disability meets the Social Security Administration’s standards for disability and whether the disability claimant should be awarded or denied disability benefits. Radiculopathy is defined under listing 1.04 Disorders of the Spine, Section A. Carefully evaluate this listing and discuss with your physician about whether or not he/she feels as though you meet or equal the criteria to be found disabled. Indiana Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis often sends his client’s physicians a list of questions in hopes that they will complete these questionnaires in such a way as to show the client does indeed meet the listing, making it easier for Social Security to find the claimant disabled. If it is determined that the disability claimant does not meet or equal the listing (1.04 Disorders of the Spine, Section A) which defines radiculopathy and its … Continued

April 25, 2011

So you have waited quite a long time for your upcoming Social Security disability hearing and think you will finally get an answer to your appeal. Well the truth is, you probably have another waiting period to endure before you receive a decision in the mail. Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott D. Lewis often gets asked by his clients when will they find out if they have won or lost their Indiana Social Security disability appeal. There are a few different scenarios that can take place at the conclusion of your Social Security disability hearing. If you are one of the lucky few, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may make a bench decision. After a judge hears testimony, if he/she believes the claimant is disabled, he/she can make a fully favorable bench decision. In Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis’ experience a bench decision can speed up the time it takes in processing a disability claim. The Administrative Law Judge usually reads into the record his/her reasons for granting the disability claim. Some judges make bench decisions on a routine basis when granting claims, while other judges rarely, if ever, use bench decisions. So what happens if you are not a lucky recipient of a bench decision? You shouldn’t think you have lost your disability claim because there are other ways judges decide disability claims. Many judges do not make the decision on your disability claim the day you are in court. Although almost all Social Security disability hearings have a similar theme, many judges decide claims using a different process. Some Administrative Law Judges will have already looked over your file before the hearing. These judges then get testimony from the claimant and then make a decision. Other judges may not have looked at your record at all before the … Continued

April 22, 2011

“I am filing for Social Security disability benefits and I need help with the application process!” This is a common concern heard among Indiana Social Security disability applicants. The Social Security disability claims process can be long and frustrating and many claimants struggle with the application process. Social Security disability attorney Scott D. Lewis assists Indianapolis disability claimants with their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. During a free consultation offered by Attorney Lewis, he will ask the claimant where they are in the claims process. If the claimant is in the initial application stage, he will refer the disability claimant to one (1) of the following sources in order to file their initial application for disability benefits: Visit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) website at www.ssa.gov to apply online. Once on the SSA’s website, select the “disability” tab at the top of the home page. You will be directed to a new page, where you will select the “Apply for Disability” box. Then you will follow the steps instructed on the application. It should be noted that this application is for the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and that if you are applying for Supplement Security Income benefits that a SSA representative will need to discuss your application. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. Explain to the Social Security representative that you would like to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits and you would like to schedule an appointment to apply in person. Visit your local Social Security Administration to schedule an appointment to apply for SSDI and SSI benefits. Applying for disability benefits online is convenient and fast. Although applying online has it’s advantages, it may have some disadvantages. Unless you have a family or friend assisting you with the online application, you are completing it on your own. … Continued

April 18, 2011

Indiana residents waiting on a Social Security disability hearing may find themselves anxious and worried about what will happen when they enter the courtroom. Indianapolis disability attorney Scott Lewis is often asked by his clients whether or not they will have to speak at the hearing. Mr. Lewis advises his clients that they probably will have to speak at the hearing, but at the same time they should expect to be prepared for what kind of questions they will be asked. As an Indiana Social Security lawyer, Mr. Lewis believes it is a very important part of his job to prepare his clients for the hearing. Although no Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is exactly the same, there is usually a general framework of questions that are asked of each client. Indianapolis attorney Scott D. Lewis lets his disability clients know they are usually asked personal questions, job related questions, and medical questions. Mr. Lewis believes your answers are sometimes judged as to whether you are credible. In other words, are you believable, are you telling the truth, and are you exaggerating how much pain you are in. Indiana Administrative Law Judges conduct numerous hearings every year and some can be pretty slick in the way they question you and may even try to trick you into making contradicting statements. It is important to tell the truth and do not overstate the problems you are experiencing. If you are honest and realistic about the problems you are experiencing then you will not have to worry about the credibility of the statements you make. The pain you experience is usually not something a test can measure, so your own opinion of your pain is all an Administrative Law Judge can count on. Indianapolis Social Security attorney Scott Lewis believes a good attorney … Continued

April 14, 2011

It is not uncommon for an Indiana disability claimant to have been denied Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits since majority of disability claims are denied at the initial application level. Many SDDI and SSI claimants face the same question after they have been denied benefits by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Attorney Scott D. Lewis gets calls from disability claimants on a daily basis asking him why they have been denied disability benefits and what should they do next. Mr. Lewis always directs the claimant to the denial letter that they have received by the SSA. This letter specifically states the reason for denial. So, take the time to read the decision the SSA sent to you to figure out exactly why you were denied in the first place. Once you know why you were denied, you can begin to collect the necessary documentation to appeal this decision. Some reasons for denial may include: In 2010, you make more than $1,000 per month. If you exceed this amount, you will immediately be denied disability benefits. Based on the information you provided the SSA when filing your claim, they have determined that your disability will not last or be expected to last a minimum of 12 months. You failed to comply with the SSA’s request for information or medical records. Not complying with this request may ultimately cause you to be denied benefits. The SSA has attempted to locate you and was unable to reach you. At the law office of Scott D. Lewis, Attorney at Law, LLC, Mr. Lewis assists disability claimants with appealing their denied claim. Either him or his staff will often ask his clients to retrieve the denial letter so he can discuss the reasons for denial prior to appealing the claim. It is important … Continued

April 11, 2011

There is still a tremendous backlog of individuals waiting for an Indiana Social Security disability hearing. Indianapolis disability lawyer Scott Lewis spends much of his day explaining to current and future Social Security disability clients that they are in a long line waiting for their day in front of an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Statistically your chances of winning your claim go up when you finally enter a courtroom to present evidence in front of an ALJ, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not going to pay your bills during this long wait. So exactly how long does it take to get your disability hearing in Indiana? It depends on a variety of factors. The Indianapolis Office or Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) is currently one of the more lengthy waits if your hearing is in Indiana. There are other hearing offices throughout the state of Indiana that are quicker to get you your day in court. Can you pick where you have your hearing? No, it is assigned a location depending on where you reside. Is there any good news on the horizon? Things MAY be looking up. Indianapolis Social Security disability attorney Scott Lewis has noticed a decrease in the wait time in some cases. In the recent past, Mr. Lewis would tell his disability appeals clients the wait was generally running 18 – 24 months from the date they requested a hearing until they would actually see a judge. Lately, Mr. Lewis has seen individuals receive a Social Security disability hearing in 12 months after requesting a hearing. Does this mean your hearing will be within 12 months of the day you requested it? Probably not. Many factors determine your hearing date including what Administrative Law Judge you are assigned, whether you have an in person … Continued